Quote:
Originally posted by Moneyguy1
Is it even possible that someone can donate for simply altruistic reasons?
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It is possible, just not common. Again, I am talking large sum donations here. The most recent one I can think of that would qualify is Warren Buffett.
There are some people who will donate money for purely altruistic reasons. Most, though, do it for (at least partially) exactly what Christien said, to cement a legacy. To have their name on a building. To have a scholarship named after them. Whatever.
My point here, though, is that even if a person donates a large sum altruistically, that donation itself has an effect on the recepient. To say that the attitude of the recepient after the donation constitutes some sort of voluntary control over the institution by the donor is fallacious, in my opinion.
Christien is trying to say that corporations should not be allowed to donate because they have agendas whereas private citizens do not. I simply think that both groups have agendas and donations by both do have an effect on the recepient, whether they like it or not....and that's ok with me. It's human nature, it's how things work. If someone gives you $100,000 out of the blue, you likely will have a positive opinion of that person. If someone else then tries to demean or attack that person sometime later, you likely will defend that person. It's cause and effect and it isn't a bad thing.
Again, if Exxon had said their money was contingent on the school not showing any anti-oil films, then that would be a problem. Even the NTSA has said Exxon has no control and has never attempted to exert control. I suppose they are bad because they are an oil company, and oil companies are ALL bad these days...